Chapter 137: Peeping

As Lu Fangrong was about to speak, Jiang Zhanwei interjected, “General Lu, you still have room for improvement in your judgment. If you can’t see through the women around you, how will you understand the enemy’s tactics?”

With that, he entered the carriage where Lu Man was seated.

Seeing this, Mama Wang and Lu Ying had no choice but to board the carriage behind.

As the carriage started moving, Lu Fangrong called out from behind, “Man, in your father’s heart, no one can replace your mother. I truly care for you.”

Lu Man remained silent, considering his words as empty promises.

The carriage rolled out of the Lu residence. Lu Man let out a long sigh of relief, seeking revenge for her mother and wanting to sever ties with the Lu family.

Both of them were famished by now. Jiang Zhanwei suggested they first have a meal and then return to the mansion.

Observing Lu Man’s extreme sadness, Jiang Zhanwei asked, “Still feeling upset?”

Lu Man nodded and replied, “I had little contact with Lu Fangrong before, and I don’t want much interaction with him in the future. I’ll just forget about him being my father. I simply sought justice for my mother. She sacrificed everything to marry him against all odds, giving up nearly all her wealth for that man. But what happened later? She was divorced, and her daughter was driven to suicide.” Thinking about her mother’s struggles and her own hardships, she added, “Perhaps I burdened my mother because I was a girl.”

As tears welled up in her eyes, Lu Man couldn’t stop them. In this life and the last, she had no fatherly affection, both mothers had entrusted her to uncaring individuals. She didn’t want Jiang Zhanwei to see her cry, so she turned her head to look out the window.

Seeing her delicate shoulders trembling, Jiang Zhanwei’s arm lifted instinctively, wanting to pull her into an embrace. However, he hesitated, leaving his arm suspended in the air, not daring to touch her. He could sense her guardedness and fear towards him. Everything she did at the mansion, even in his presence, was fulfilling the contractual obligations of their supposed marriage.

When did he start wanting to protect her, to shield her from tears and injustice? When did he start fearing her tears and suffering? Everything he did, she probably saw it as part of their contractual obligations!

He clenched his fists and then slowly relaxed them, pounding his thighs a few times. “Don’t be sad. Once our people find your mother and bring her to the city, you two can be reunited. As for General Lu being your father, as long as he maintains a decent facade, it’s sufficient. Actually, it might be better to keep a distance from a bothersome father constantly in sight and seek tranquility.”

Thinking that her mother might come to the city, Lu Man’s somber mood eased. After all, when they reunite, she would take good care of her mother. She planned to live her life, making Lu Fangrong and his family regret their past actions and decisions.

Lu Man wiped her tears with a handkerchief and then glanced at Jiang Zhanwei. He leaned back in his chair, expressionless, appearing distant from the protective and caring demeanor he had shown at the Lu residence. Even the comforting words he had just said seemed to come from someone else’s mouth.

This person had turned against her once again.

Despite his awkwardness, Lu Man was grateful for Jiang Zhanwei’s help. Without his assertiveness, Lu Fangrong wouldn’t have been compelled to deal harshly with Bao Qin, leaving the Lu family quite shaken.

Feeling she should reciprocate the gesture, Lu Man expressed determination, “Thank you, Third Young Master, for your help today. Your kindness won’t be forgotten. I will honor my grandparents, take care of Eighth Young Master and Second Miss.”

Jiang Zhanwei’s face darkened further as he coldly replied, “Understood. I will remember that.” He then closed his eyes and fell silent.

Lu Man smirked slightly. This man was indeed capricious. Despite her well-intentioned promise, she somehow seemed to have provoked him again. Choosing not to say more, she leaned back in her seat, pretending to rest. After a sleepless night and a tiring morning, Lu Man quickly drifted off into a deep slumber.

She dreamt that she had returned to her previous life, lying in bed wearing a camisole. Strangely, she had forgotten to draw the curtains, and there were eyes peering at her through the window—Jiang Zhanwei’s eyes. Frightened, she tried to wake up and scold him for his indecent behavior, but no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn’t wake up.

Just as she felt distressed, a soft voice called out to her, finally waking her up. “Wake up, we’ve arrived.”

Opening her eyes, she saw the eyes from her dream still watching her. Subconsciously, she asked, “What are you looking at?”

Seeing Jiang Zhanwei’s pale face flush with anger, Lu Man abruptly regained her senses. Hastily she said, “Oh, I meant, have we arrived?”

Jiang Zhanwei shot her a glare and disembarked from the carriage first.

Following suit, Lu Man stepped out of the carriage, only to realize it wasn’t parked in front of an inn but in front of a shop. Looking up, she saw the signboard with the golden characters “Shangyatang”.

Jiang Zhanwei had mentioned this place with Liu Xin a few times. Could it be his property?

The shop was a two-story building, not overly large, with a quaint appearance featuring blue tiles, red walls, and ornate carved doors and windows.

Upon entering, they were greeted by various scrolls hanging on the walls, their aged paper indicating a long history. Several antique shelves displayed items like jade ornaments, ceramics, and bronze artifacts, all exuding an air of antiquity.

This seemed to be an antique shop.

Thinking about the box Jiang Zhanwei had, Lu Man wondered how many counterfeit items might be in this shop.

A middle-aged man who appeared to be the shopkeeper hurried over and greeted Jiang Zhanwei respectfully, “Ah, Third Young Master is here.”

Jiang Zhanwei introduced him to Lu Man, “This is Manager Wu.” Then, he instructed Manager Wu to prepare some food and drinks, as they hadn’t eaten lunch yet.

Manager Wu also greeted Lu Man respectfully, “Madam, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Before quickly dispatching someone to the nearby tavern to procure food and drinks.

Leading the group through the front of the shop, Jiang Zhanwei guided them to the backyard. The small courtyard featured two rooms directly facing the shop, three rooms on the left, and an old elm tree on the right side, with a brick wall beyond. In the courtyard, there was a well and a stone table with several stone benches.

They entered one of the rooms on the left, while the servants went to rest in the rooms facing the shop.

The room was modestly furnished, with a simple and elegant decor. Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man sat down at a round table adorned with intricate redwood carvings. Manager Wu served tea before discreetly excusing himself.

“This is my private property. Manager Wu is under my employ. If you ever need anything, you can pass a message through him.” Jiang Zhanwei informed Lu Man.

Recalling the painting she received from the Second Master, Lu Man mentioned, “After Grandfather woke up, the elders rewarded me with some items. Second Master gifted me a painting by the Ming Dynasty painter ‘Yellow Spring Returning to Pasture…'”